Three-dimensional fabric with embedded input-output devices

Abstract

Three-dimensional weaving, knitting, or braiding tools may be used to create three-dimensional fabric ( 24 ) with internal pockets ( 56 ). The pockets ( 56 ) may be shaped to receive electrical components such as switch electrodes ( 46 A, 46 B) for a switch ( 18 ). The fabric ( 24 ) may have adjacent first and second layers that are interposed between the switch electrodes ( 46 A, 46 B). The switch electrodes ( 46 A, 46 B) may be biased apart using magnets ( 46 A- 1, 46 B- 1 ) or other biasing structure. In a region of the fabric ( 24 ) that overlaps the first and second switch electrodes ( 46 A, 46 B), the first and second layers of fabric may be disconnected from each other. This allows the first and second layers to pull away from each other so that the electrodes ( 46 A, 46 B) are separated by the biasing force from the biasing structure. The switch ( 18 ) can be closed by pressing the electrodes ( 46 A, 46 B) together.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. Apparatus, comprising:
 a three-dimensionally woven fabric that is formed from fibers that are intertwined to form first and second internal pockets; and 
 an input-output device having a first magnet in the first pocket and a second magnet in the second pocket, wherein the fabric has first and second adjacent layers that are not connected to each other in an area overlapping the first and second magnets and wherein the first and second magnets include switch electrodes that are separated from one another by a gap created by a repelling force between the first and second magnets. 
 
     
     
       2. The apparatus defined in  claim 1  wherein the input-output device is a switch that is closed when the first and second magnets contact each other. 
     
     
       3. The apparatus defined in  claim 2  further comprising first and second conductive paths coupled respectively to the first and second magnets. 
     
     
       4. The apparatus defined in  claim 3  wherein the fabric is a three-dimensional woven fabric. 
     
     
       5. The apparatus defined in  claim 1  wherein the fabric forms at least part of a housing for an electronic device, the apparatus further comprising control circuitry mounted within the housing. 
     
     
       6. An electronic device, comprising:
 a three-dimensionally woven a fabric having first and second fabric layers, a first pocket in the first fabric layer, and a second pocket in the second fabric layer; 
 a first magnet in the first pocket that includes a first switch electrode; 
 a second magnet in the second pocket that includes a second switch electrode, the first and second switch electrodes forming a switch; 
 a gap between the first and second fabric layers that is created by a repelling force between the first and second magnets; and 
 control circuitry that monitors the switch. 
 
     
     
       7. The electronic device defined in  claim 6  wherein the fabric is a three-dimensional woven fabric having fibers that are woven to create the first and second pockets. 
     
     
       8. The electronic device defined in  claim 7  further comprising a disconnected area between the first and second fabric layers that overlaps the first and second switch electrodes, wherein the disconnected area allows the first and second switch electrodes to move away from each other to create the gap between the first and second fabric layers. 
     
     
       9. The electronic device defined in  claim 6  wherein the control circuitry monitors the switch to detect when the first and second switch electrodes come into contact with each other. 
     
     
       10. The electronic device defined in  claim 6  wherein the fabric comprises warp strands and weft strands and wherein the first and second pockets each overlap a plurality of warp strands and a plurality of weft strands. 
     
     
       11. The electronic device defined in  claim 10 , wherein the first and second pockets have cylindrical disk shapes. 
     
     
       12. An accessory for an electronic device, comprising:
 a three-dimensionally woven a fabric having first and second pockets; 
 a first magnet in the first pocket and a second magnet in the second pocket that repel one another to create a gap between the first and second pockets; 
 a switch formed from a first switch electrode on the first magnet and a second switch electrode on the second magnet; and 
 control circuitry that monitors the switch. 
 
     
     
       13. The accessory defined in  claim 12  wherein the fabric is a three-dimensional woven fabric having warp and weft fibers that are woven to create the first and second pockets. 
     
     
       14. The accessory defined in  claim 13  wherein the fabric has layers, wherein the layers include first and second adjacent layers that are connected to one another in a first region of the fabric and disconnected from one another in a second region of the fabric to allow the first and second adjacent layers to separate from each other to create the gap between the first and second pockets.